Ensuring Rights and Full Participation Regardless of Social and Economic Position

Discrimination based on social class remains both pervasive and under-recognized. For example, studies have shown that employers discriminate against candidates with names, accents, appearance, or residency associated with lower levels of income or wealth. This chapter examines whether countries’ constitutions explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of socioeconomic status (SES), as well as whether they guarantee that poverty is no barrier to the foundations for equal opportunity and representation in decision-making: education, healthcare, and political participation. In addition, this chapter examines whether countries can design their court systems to be accessible and impactful for people across SES, rather than primarily serving those who can afford a private lawyer.